ep.121: Unexpected Skills for Youth Workers

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the challenges and skills necessary for onboarding new youth directors, emphasizing the importance of courage, writing, and effective communication. The discussion covers practical tips for setting up youth rooms, understanding dietary needs of students, and planning engaging events. They also delve into the necessity of mental toughness in ministry. The episode concludes with encouragement for new youth directors to celebrate their students' growth and keep their focus on the gospel.

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on  Instagram or X/Twitter.

John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.

Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.

Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)

Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian

Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian

Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.